Field Marshall Pervez Musharraf , Supreme Commander Pakistan Armed Forces.
How does that sound?
I had this idea a long time ago, long before he committed the full monty to the MMA, perhaps as early as 1999 right after he took over. infact i think he should have done it right then. we would have been much better with no wailing politicians trying their best to make something out of their sorry political careers. even now, it’s not too late. he MUST consider this. Perhaps GENERAL Musharraf should promote himself to the rank of Field Marshall of the Army. that way he can appoint a new C-in-C and still be supreme commander and stay in uniform, like FM Ayoub Khan. even as learned and experienced men such as Ardeshir Cowasjee have been suggesting the same lately. http://www.dawn.com/weekly/cowas/cowas.htm
for once i think, a man must break all barriers and take full charge and authority to steer this nation. that seems to be the only best way.
Does anyone know about the technicalities of becoming a Field Marshall and the stuff that comes with it? i’ve heard they never retire and can wear the unifrom as long as they live and be in service. and as Cowasjee has put it, “die with their boots on”. is it true they never retire and in that case do they remain in active service and on full payroll forever? why then did Ayub Khan not “die with his boots on”?
would be grateful if some light be shed on this dear comrades, while i send my suggestions to the future second FM of Pakistan PM.
I'm a Musharraf fan (obviously), but it would be a disaster if this would happen. For a military officer to promote himself is a despicable act of blowing your own trumpet and is grossly unprofessional.
It would be a PR disaster, undermine his authority, and be downright farcical.
General Musharraf now, and plain ol' General Musharraf evermore!
I think Cowasjee was being sarcastic in making that suggestion, as just before that he notes …Musharraf is still in control not only of the republic but of himself and, as he has a pretty good sense of humour; any suggestion of kingship might be taken by him merely as a very jolly joke. He has already brushed aside the Field Marshal suggestion.
COAS or just plain President, Musharraf will remain in charge till 2007 at least, if not for years afterwards as well. Even the PPPP (or whatever is left of it) is pretty well resigned to that fact, because not only is it conceding that he can probably remain COAS according to the specifics of the 17th amendment to constitiution, but it seems to be colluding in allowing Musharraf to get the powers and institutions he wants.
Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) senators on Thursday grilled their parliamentary leader Mian Raza Rabbani for his, what they called, “understanding” with the government on the issue of National Security Council Bill becaue he had not let them return to the House after the token walkout by Opposition parties on Wednesday](http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_16-4-2004_pg7_40)
I have always said don’t believe the bluster of Pakistani politicians (especially those in the so-called opposition), because often their actions contradict all that.
i think Cowasjee's sarcasm was more towards the whole confusing situation prevailing in the country and not solely the issue of the general becoming field marshall.
And, if he choses to remain president only, until 2007 and perhaps beyond, without the khaki covering, then i'm afraid things just wont be the same without the gun. and if, God forbid, he choses to retire from the post of president after 2007, we will meet doom then. remember when in 99 he took over he said he'll be in power for 3 yrs and we all thought that was fine as all would be OK in 3 yrs. but it wasnt and still isnt and with the kind of ppl we have here it wont be for many more yrs. so we need him with his gun, his big field artillery gun and the uniform.
and the promotion to FM wouldnt be self done, it could be done through the JCSC or the NSC or a board of all corp commanders and their equivalent officers from the other forces.
on a diff note, does anyone know about the technicalities attached with promotion to FM...? and the stuff that i asked in my opening post...?
on a diff note, does anyone know about the technicalities attached with promotion to FM...?
No technicalities in Pakistan Haris, all you need is idiotic advisers looking to score points (translation the people who advised Mush to go for the referendum) and the firm belief by the leader that the country exists because of them.
I am not sure what the professional context is about being made a Field Marshall, I'll look it up and get back to you...either that or maddy will find out ;)
